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This Prestigious Sumo Competition

Venue: The Royal Albert Hall, London. Schedule: 15-19 October

Exploring Sumo Wrestling

Sumo represents Japan's iconic national sport, combining custom, discipline and Shinto religious rituals dating back over a millennium.

This physical contest involves two competitors – called rikishi – battling within a circular arena – the dohyo – measuring 4.55m (14.9 ft) across.

Traditional ceremonies take place before and after each bout, emphasizing the ceremonial aspects in sumo.

Traditionally prior to competition, an opening is created at the center of the dohyo and filled with symbolic offerings through Shinto ceremonies.

The hole is closed, enshrining inside a spirit. Sumo wrestlers then perform a ceremonial stomp and clap to drive off bad spirits.

Professional sumo is governed a rigid ranking system, with competitors involved commit completely to the sport – living and training in group settings.

The London Location

This Major Sumo Event is being held internationally only the second occasion, with the competition taking place in London beginning October 15th until Sunday, 19 October.

The British capital and The Royal Albert Hall also hosted the 1991 edition – the first time a tournament took place beyond Japan in the sport's history.

Clarifying the decision behind going overseas, sumo leadership stated he wanted to "convey to the people of London sumo's attraction – a historic Japanese tradition".

The sport has seen substantial growth in international interest among international fans recently, with overseas events could further boost the popularity of traditional Japan internationally.

How Sumo Matches Work

The fundamental regulations in sumo wrestling are quite simple. The match concludes when a rikishi gets pushed of the dohyo or touches the floor using anything besides the sole of his feet.

Bouts might end in a fraction of a second or continue over two minutes.

There exist two primary techniques. Pusher-thrusters generally push competitors from the arena through strength, whereas grapplers choose to grip their opponent and use judo-like throws.

Elite wrestlers often master multiple combat styles and can adapt against different styles.

There are 82 winning techniques, including audacious throws strategic evasions. The variety in moves and tactics keeps audiences engaged, so surprises and upsets can occur during any match.

Weight classes do not exist in sumo, making it normal to see rikishi with significant size differences. Sumo rankings decides opponents instead of physical attributes.

Although female athletes do compete in amateur sumo globally, they're excluded from elite competitions or the main arenas.

Rikishi Lifestyle

Sumo wrestlers live and train in communal facilities called heya, under a stable master.

The daily routine of a rikishi centers completely around the sport. They rise early for intense practice, followed by a substantial lunch the traditional stew – a protein-rich preparation aimed at building mass – with rest periods.

The average wrestler eats approximately six to 10 bowls per meal – thousands of calories – with notable instances of extreme consumption exist in sumo history.

Rikishi purposely increase mass to enhance leverage in the ring. Despite their size, they demonstrate surprising agility, rapid reflexes with strong bursts.

Nearly all elements of rikishi life are regulated through their training house and governing body – making a unique lifestyle in professional sports.

Competitive standing determines earnings, living arrangements including personal assistants.

Junior or lower ranked wrestlers handle chores in the stable, while higher ranked competitors receive special privileges.

Competitive standings are established through performance during yearly events. Wrestlers with winning records move up, unsuccessful ones drop down in standing.

Prior to events, a new banzuke gets published – a traditional document showing all wrestlers' positions in professional sumo.

At the summit features the title of Yokozuna – the ultimate achievement. These champions represent the essence of the sport – transcending winning.

Who Becomes a Rikishi

The sport includes several hundred wrestlers in professional sumo, with most from Japan.

Foreign wrestlers have participated significantly for decades, with Mongolian athletes achieving dominance currently.

Top champions feature global participants, with competitors multiple countries achieving high ranks.

Recently, foreign prospects have journeyed to the homeland pursuing wrestling careers.